Dion Sims happy to add to Michigan State's depth at tight end after legal issues

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State’s Dion Sims is thankful for a second chance at college football, feeling great and scoring touchdowns.

The 6-foot-5, 276-pound sophomore tight end met the media Monday, though the media was asked to only talk football. It was his first interview since his involvement with the theft of computers from the Detroit Public Schools, which left him suspended for the 2010 season.

The session was stopped by a MSU sports information official when Sims was asked to speak directly to his legal situation.

"It kind of hurt to not be out there with the team," Sims said of missing the year. "I kind of realized how important this game is, being with those guys and the coaches and everything. I just feel like, I appreciate everybody being by my side, in my corner. It’s very important to me."

Sims, who played as a true freshman in 2009 after being one of the nation’s top recruits, was redshirted last year as his suspension and legal issues played out. He returned for the spring game, and scored two touchdowns and had four receptions.

He was sentenced to a year of probation and 15 hours of community service in December after pleading guilty to one count of felony receiving and concealing stolen property. His attorney said at the time that Sims’ role did not involve theft or selling, but he introduced some of the people involved. The conviction can he wiped from his record if he successfully completes probation under the Holmes Youthful Training Act.

This fall he is one of three tight ends battling for the starting spot. Senior Brian Linthicum, a sometimes starter last year, is back as well as Garrett Celek, another fifth-year senior who missed most of last year with the second serious shoulder injury of his career.

Sims, who prepped at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, had three receptions for 39 yards in Saturday’s team scrimmage. The receptions included an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins said he noticed on film in recent days how well Sims has played.

"It’s no surprise," he said. "But it’s amazing to me that we won 11 games last year, and Dion Sims wasn’t a part of the mix. That just blows my mind. He’s one of the best players on the football team. The fact we won 11 games without him, I think, is a testament to the amount of coaching and talent we have on this team, but it also gets us excited about what we have coming forward this year when we have Dion Sims in the mix."

Michigan State appeared especially deep at tight end a year ago, too. Then Celek was injured, and Sims suspended. Charlie Gantt, who is off to the NFL, and Linthicum filled the bill.

Sims said he wants to do whatever part is asked of him this season. He said his life would not have been over if he couldn’t return to football, but he is happy to be back.

"I just kept my head up, kept moving, prayed, and I thanked God for the second opportunity and those guys in my corner," he said.

Coach Mark Dantonio said last week Sims is in the mix to play. As a true freshman in 2009, he had 11 receptions for 133 yards and three touchdowns while playing in all 13 games.

"There’s great competition and great talent there," Dantonio said. "Dion is a big body, a big target and he can move and make plays. We’ll see how much he is involved as we move forward."﻿